About squirrels

Red Squirrel

(Sciurus vulgaris)

Order: Rodent

Size: The body is 24 – 30 cm long

Food: Acorns, pinecones, nuts, berries, lichen, mushrooms and birds’ eggs.

Life length: Approx. 3 – 4 years

Did you know that
although squirrels are smart and inventive animals that can quickly work out how to use a squirrel feeder, they are also forgetful. They hide excess food in holes that they dig in the ground, but when they are hungry again they cannot remember where they hid the food!

Squirrels normally live alone and do not share nests or food. But during the cold winter months some squirrels share a nest to stay warm. They can build nests using twigs but prefer to take over an old vacant bird’s nest.

Appearance

Red squirrels have reddish brown fur, although the colour can vary slightly between different families. The stomach is lighter, almost white. They have a slim body and a long bushy tail, which they use for balance. Thanks to their tail and strong claws, squirrels are extremely acrobatic. Sciurus, the Latin name for squirrel, actually means ”sitting in the shadow of the tail”. Males and females are the same size.

Geographic distribution

Red Squirrels can mostly be found throughout Europe and in northern Asia, and are a protected species in some parts of Europe. They are under threat from their larger cousin, the Grey Squirrel. Competition for food is tough and the Grey Squirrel is able to out-compete the Red Squirrel.